Question

Explain the bond formation in sodium chloride

Answer 1

Hint: Basically, sodium chloride is an ionic compound in which the sodium and chloride ions are in the ratio $1:1$ . The chemical formula of this compound is NaCl and it is commonly known as table salt or common salt or halite.

Complete step by step answer:
Sodium chloride is an ionic compound with the formula NaCl. So, basically sodium and chlorine respond together to generate a substance that is familiar to almost everybody known as sodium chloride or common salt. The reaction is as shown:
 $2Na(s) + C{l_2}(g) \to 2NaCl(s)$
Moreover, in its aqueous state, it acts as a good conductor of electricity due to free movement of ions. It further has a melting point of ${801^ \circ }C$ and boiling point of ${1413^ \circ }C$ .Its structure is as shown:

Now, the bond formed in this compound is basically an ionic bond. So, let’s see the electronic configuration of both the ions and then determine the structure. The electronic configuration of Na and Cl are:
Na- $1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^1}$
Cl- $1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^2}3{p^5}$
Now, Na is in excess of one electron to attain octet configuration whereas chlorine is deficient of one electron. So, one electron of Na atom is transferred to Cl atom and thus an ionic bond is formed due to the transfer of electrons. Therefore, NaCl has $N{a^ + }$ and $C{l^ - }$ atoms. Further, chlorine attains octet configuration by gaining one electron whereas sodium attains octet configuration by losing an electron.

Note:Sodium chloride is widely used in food industries as a food preservative and as a flavor enhancer. Moreover, in cold countries, it is used to prevent the buildup of ice on roads, bridges etc. which is further important for safe driving. It is also used as a raw material in the industrial manufacturing of various chemicals such as sodium carbonate etc.